Have you noticed that Vitamin C has become the darling of skincare recently? A glance at any beauty magazine and you'll likely see a new serum, moisturizer or toner with Vitamin C as its headline ingredient. It's been around for years, and it's one of the most research-proven ingredients in skincare. So why is everyone buzzing about Vitamin C now? Because it’s genuinely effective!

 

What is Vitamin C?

 

First and foremost, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant protecting skin against free radical damage.  Free radicals are all around us: UV light, smog, cigarette smoke, and stress, and they can lead to premature aging of the skin.  Vitamin C fights these free radicals, helping to maintain skin’s healthy, youthful appearance. 

Vitamin C is an essential daily nutrient and natural component of healthy skin.

We start out in life with plenty of vitamin C levels in our skin's outermost two layers (epidermis and dermis). As we age, skin's Vitamin C levels, along with collagen levels, are depleted.

Vitamin C is water-soluble, and the body does not store it. To maintain adequate vitamin C, we need to replenish it daily by eating the right foods and using skincare with ingredients that have plenty of it.

 

What Are Some Benefits Of Vitamin C For Me?

 

Oh, so many!  Aside from being a super antioxidant, as noted above:

Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, the naturally occurring protein that helps to give skin that plump, firm look (making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.)

Vitamin C aids in the skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin.

Vitamin C evens skin tone, and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation, aka "brown spots."

Vitamin C is especially adored for its brightening effects, giving skin a more radiant appearance.

 

How can I get more Vitamin C into my life?

 

We agree with our friend Jolene Hart (CHC, AADP):   “Beauty is an inside job.”

What you eat and drink impacts your complexion, for better or worse.  That’s why we encourage a holistic approach to your all-natural skincare regime, as skincare products are only half the story. It all begins with nutrition.  Eating whole foods, in season when possible, is a healthy foundation to build upon. Foods rich in Vitamin C include Dark green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, collards, spinach, broccoli bell peppers, even potatoes.  And of course, fruit—all kinds of berries, tomatoes and citrus fruits (don’t forget the kiwi!)

Which Skin Care Ingredients Have High Vitamin C Content? 

Sea Buckthorn extract has an abundance of Vitamin C.  Each of them is featured Kari Gran's Essential Serum and Essential Balm.

Sea Buckthorn extract is oil derived from bright orange berries commonly found in Nordic countries.  Nicknamed “the Lemon of the North” due to its very tart, acidic flavor, the oil derived from it can contain up to 9x the amount of Vitamin C found in other citrus fruits.  Fortunately, we can get this in our skincare and not have to pucker up.

When Vitamin C is combined with Vitamin E (another ingredient in KG Essential Serum and Balm), you can double protection against free radical damage.

If you're looking for an excellent way to brighten your day and your skin, make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin C In your life every day.